Astronomy Pictures of the Sun [Image 8]

This page contains images of the sun produced by members
of the University Lowbrow Astronomers.

Sunspot Group on July 4, 2005
by Doug Scobel

I took Mark’s advice and did some solar observatin’ this afternoon (July 4, 2005).
Here are some of my best images, taken between from 2:27 to 2:52 pm
EDT. All were taken through my 8-inch f/8 Newtonian reflector,
protected with a 7-inch aperture Baader solar filter (effectively
making the scope a 7-inch f/9). All were taken afocally with a Nikon
Coolpix 800 digital camera. The full disk image was taken with a 32mm
symmetrical eyepiece, the others with a 14mm Televue Radian.

The large group near the eastern (left) limb is Active Region (AR)
0786, the large group at center is AR 0783, and the small spot near the
western limb is AR 0782. In all images north is at the top.

The images don’t quite compare with what was visible visually, but they
give you a good idea of how active the sun’s face is right now. If you
get a chance take a look yourself (if you have a safe solar filter for
your scope of course!)

WARNING: Viewing the sun without proper protective devices can result in permanent eye damage.